News
Haughton still has England aspirations
April 25 2008
He may have been forgotten by England, but Saracens speedster Richard Haughton believes he is playing the best rugby of his life and hopes it leads to an international call-up.
Haughton, whose five tries in the Heineken Cup make him the leading try-scorer alongside French internationals Vincent Clerc and Aurelien Rougerie, failed to make either the full England or England Saxons squads during the Six Nations but has certainly been making the headlines.
"Having your time in the spotlight is always nice," said Haughton on Sky Sports.
"Getting column inches are always nice to see and is something different."
Haughton may have got the media to sit up and notice, but he is till trying to get his team-mates to show some respect.
"He's almost as quick as I am," joked Neil de Kock.
"No, he is very rapid, over 100 metres there are few guys who could stay with him.
"Most boys call him Javelin for obvious reason - his huge frame," added Glen Jackson.
That Javelin has certainly been looking sharp - in the Heineken Cup quarter-final against The Ospreys it was Shane Williams who was blunted, against Munster it will be Doug Howlett he has to stop.
"When I first came to the Premiership, I did not want to tackle at all," laughs Haughton.
"I was happy to pull people down by their shirts. Luckily over the years I have had Mike Ford work with me, I have had Buck Shelford and now Richie Graham showing me some technique.
"I have been trying to get shoulders on and get some good technique. It is something I have definitely had to work on and had to learn rather than born with it."
With England travelling to New Zealand this summer, Saracens Director of Rugby Alan Gaffney believes Haughton should be part of the touring party to face the All Blacks. And Haughton certainly has international inspirations.
"You have got to aim to play international rugby," added Haughton.
"If you are not, then what is the point?
"I want to play international rugby it is the question of having the opportunity and getting the chance.
"I will continue to play for the club as well as I can and something might happen."